6 Must See Spots in Kanazawa and Ishikawa That You Cannot Miss

Enjoyable memories and wonderful experiences by not only enjoy a delicious meal but also to sightseeing are essential for your trip in Ishikawa/ Kanazawa. With the list of recommended sightseeing spots below, why don’t you get out and about before you eat?

1. Kenrokuen

Kenrokuen is one of the Japan’s Three Great Gardens, a symbol of Kanazawa city. Around the garden are plenty of ponds, and you can see the seasonal beauty through the surface’s reflection of these ponds. Thanks to Kenrokuen’ special layout, it’d be better if you can walk around the garden to enjoy the scenery, not stand in one spot watching. Also while working, you may see the workers working in the garden in their traditional uniform, which is another great experience too.

2. Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle in the beginning was originally a place for Lord to stay, but in war period, it was used as a base. When you first enter the entrance gate, after crossing the bridge, you will see Ishikawa Gate, which is made of thick wood and iron, brings the impression of very strong and impressive architectural structure.

Then comes the Gojikken Nagaya Warehouse, this building has been reconstructed but still remains the traditional features. Inside, you can see a watchtower (Hishi Yagura), which is made from a diamond shap in order to maintain the maximum visibility throughout the area, and it was used for spying on enemies during war period.

3. Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art

Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art is located near the Kenrokuen Garden. The Art Gallery’s collections are mainly pieces of traditional craft works with a connection to Ishikawa/ Kanazawa culture. There’s also an English audio guidance system with explanations of the pieces on display as well as information about the artists, so you can get the most out of your visit.

4. Omicho Market

Proudly to be the place that has promote the food culture of Kanazawa for approximately 280 years since Edo Period, Omicho Market is the liveliest among markets in Kanazawa. The shopkeepers will amaze you with their loud voices calling in customers, and various kinds of seafood from Kanazawa’s coast will sure excite you if you are a seafood’s fan!

Of course you can enjoy eating the food too, as there are restaurants serving a wide range of cuisine as well as food stall selling various foods

5. Higashi Chaya District

Also known as Eastern Teashouse District, you can discover the charm of this traditional town. Along the main street there are plenty of buildings built in ancient Japanese architecture style. Nowadays, you can hear the sound of Japanese drums also other Japanese traditional instruments coming from teahouses lit with paper lanterns when night falls, and if your timing is right, you may even meet a Geisha.

6. Buke Yashiki (Samurai) District

Along this district are the remain traditional houses of middle/ lower class samurai residences, with their layout between ancient walls, waterways and cobble stones. Among these houses, the Nomura Residence is open to the public for visiting, and you can enjoy a cup of green tea while seeing the house and its traditional garden.